Chicago Workers Occupy Factory! Need Your Immediate Support!

**Hold Bank of America Accountable!
SIGN THE PETITION: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/bankofamerica?rk=4dA6AtSqJEicW

[Jobs with Justice] Only weeks after taking $25 Billion in bailout money, Bank of America is turning its back on hundreds of workers making energy efficient doors and windows in Chicago by refusing to continue credit to Republic Windows and Doors. To make matters even worse than putting 300 people out of work, Bank of America has instructed Republic to refuse to pay workers compensation they are legally entitled to, either earned vacation pay or the severance pay legally required under the WARN Act, in lieu of proper notice of plant closing.

Like many other 'titans of Wall street,' Bank of America, Key Bank and others are taking their bailout -- supposedly meant to allow credit to get our economy moving again -- and using it to take over other banks, pay bonuses to executives and dividends to shareholders... just about everything except helping businesses continue to employ workers.

Tell Bank of America to either provide the credit needed to keep workers in good green jobs, or at least provide the compensation these workers are entitled to.

*About Republic:
Republic Windows and Doors manufactures vinyl windows for new housing construction and residential replacement windows. The company, founded in 1965, employs approximately 300 people. Republic is #275 on Crain's Chicago Business' list of privately held companies, with $65 million in sales in 2006. The company received almost $10 million in TIF subsidy financing since they relocated to their current Goose Island location. They produce environmentally efficient Energy Star windows, which reduce pollution by reducing energy use.

*About the workers:
Republic production employees have been represented by United Electrical Workers (UE) Local 1110 since 2004. The average wage is $14/hr. Workers receive good health coverage and retirement benefits. Most of the workers live in the city of Chicago. These are good, green living wage jobs.

*About the current situation:
While the Company's new construction sales have suffered due to the slowdown in the housing market, sales of replacement windows have remained steady. *However, Company CEO Rich Gillman informed the Union this week that the plant will close on December 5, 2008. This means the City of Chicago will lose 300 good, green, living wage jobs with benefits. *

*The role of Bank of America:
Bank of America, formerly Lasalle Bank, is Republic's principal lender.

*Republic says the plant closing is caused by Bank of America's decision this week to stop extending credit to Republic. This is despite the fact that Bank of America has received $25 billion in bailout funds, ostensibly in order to extend credit to companies that need it.

Even worse, Bank of America has directed Republic not to pay workers their owed vacation or plant closing benefits due under the federal WARN Act, which provides for 60 days of pay in lieu of notice of a plant closing.

*What the workers want:
If the Company must close, that they pay all benefits to which workers are legally entitled.

==============================================================================
Chicago Workers Occupy Factory! Need Your Immediate Support!

http://chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display/84872/index.php

The workers of Republic Windows and Doors are right this minute occupying their factory, which was due to close at 10:00 AM Friday morning.

The workers are fighting for pay for their lost vacation days and for the 75 days notice that they are guaranteed under Illinois law. This is the first time in many years workers have taken the bold, militant strategy of occupying their place of work to demand justice. The plan to occupy the plant until they hear the results of the next round of negotiations Monday afternoon. THEY NEED TO KNOW THEY HAVE OUR SUPPORT!!!

A prayer vigil has been planned for 12:00 Noon tomorrow. Please attend. BUT WE SHOULD ORGANIZE A CONSTANT PRESENCE OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS PICKETING OUTSIDE THE FACTORY! BRING FOOD AND COFFEE FOR THE WORKERS. It is our presence and the press that is the workers best defense against the police raiding the factory.

These workers are fighting for all of us!!! As the economic crisis deepens we need to launch a working class fight back. These workers are the starting point and deserve our full support.

Go to:

Republic Windows & Doors
1333 N. Hickory
On Goose Island, near the intersection of Division & Clyborn

Feel free to call me for more info… (312) 502-7867 - Jerry Mead-Lucero
[ pilsenprole.blogspot.com/ ]